Single actuator haptic effects

ABSTRACT

A haptic enabled device that is configured to render one or more haptic effects is provided. The haptic enabled device includes an actuator and a plurality of user input elements. Each of the plurality of user input elements is configured to be selectively coupled to the actuator. In addition, the actuator is configured to be positioned to render the one or more haptic effects at each of the plurality of user input elements.

PRIORITY APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/665,891, filed on Aug. 1, 2017, which has been incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The embodiments are generally directed to electronic devices, and moreparticularly, to electronic devices that produce haptic effects.

BACKGROUND

Video games and video game systems have become extremely popular. Videogame devices or controllers typically use visual and auditory cues toprovide feedback to a user. In some interface devices, kinestheticfeedback (e.g., active and resistive force feedback) and/or tactilefeedback (e.g., vibration, texture, temperature variation, and the like)may be provided to the user. In general, such feedback is collectivelyknown as “haptic feedback” or “haptic effects.” Haptic feedback providescues that enhance and simplify a user's interaction with a video gamecontroller, or other electronic device. For example, haptic effects mayprovide cues to users of video game controllers or other electronicdevices to alert the user to specific events, or provide realisticfeedback to create greater sensory immersion within a simulated orvirtual environment.

Other devices in which a user interacts with a user input element tocause an action also may benefit from haptic feedback or haptic effects.For example, such devices may include medical devices, automotivecontrols, remote controls, smartphones, and other similar devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward electronicdevices configured to produce haptic effects that substantially improveupon the related art.

Features and advantages of the embodiments are set forth in thedescription which follows, or will be apparent from the description, ormay be learned by practice of the invention.

In one example, a haptically enabled device that is configured to renderone or more haptic effects is provided. The haptically enabled deviceincludes an actuator and a plurality of user input elements. Each of theplurality of user input elements is configured to be selectively coupledto the actuator. In addition, the actuator is configured to bepositioned to render the one or more haptic effects at each of theplurality of user input elements.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and arenot intended to limit the invention to the described examples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further embodiments, details, advantages, and modifications will becomeapparent from the following detailed description of the preferredembodiments, which is to be taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a haptically-enabled virtual reality (“VR”) systemaccording to an example embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a haptically-enabled controller according to anexample embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a structure for rendering haptic effects at multipleuser input elements using a single actuator according to an exampleembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a haptically-enabled controller according to anotherexample embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a multi-directional trigger structure according to anexample embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a haptic mouse according to an example embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of a functionality for renderinghaptic effects according to an example embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments of the present invention generally relate to systems andmethods that provide haptic effects at different locations, such asdifferent user input elements and/or surfaces, of the same device/systemusing a single actuator. In the various embodiments, the haptic effectscan be independently and/or simultaneously rendered at differentlocations of the device. The different locations may be adjacent to oneanother or disposed on different surfaces of the same device.

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of whichare illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detaileddescription, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will beapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present inventionmay be practiced without these specific details. In other instances,well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not beendescribed in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of theembodiments. Wherever possible, like reference numbers will be used forlike elements.

In the various embodiments, a variety of user interfaces and methods forusing a device are described. In some embodiments, the device is aportable electronic device (e.g., a game controller, wand, console,mobile phone, smartphone, tablet, etc.). It should be understood,however, that the user interfaces and associated methods may be appliedto numerous other devices, such as personal computers, smartphones,medical devices, laptops, and the like that may include one or moreother physical user-interface devices, such as a keyboard, mouse,trackball, joystick, motion and orientation sensing devices, and thelike.

FIG. 1 illustrates a haptically-enabled virtual reality (“VR”) system 10according to an example embodiment of the invention. Example system 10includes a headset 11 and a handheld controller 13. Headset 11 providesaudio and visual immersion for VR system 10. Handheld controller 13provides haptic effects at a variety of user input elements (e.g.,triggers, buttons, sticks, etc.) and/or device surfaces in conjunctionwith the VR immersion experience provided by headset 11. In oneembodiment, system 10 includes two handheld controllers, one for eachhand of the user. Although shown in FIG. 1 as a handheld device,handheld controller 13 in other embodiments can be configured to contactother areas of a user's body, and may include other discrete elementsfor contacting other areas of the user's body. System 10 can alsoinclude a gamepad, motion wand, etc. All body contacting elements,including headset 11 and handheld controller 13, are communicativelycoupled via a wireless or wired connection.

Internal to system 10 is a haptic feedback system that generates hapticeffects on system 10. In one embodiment, the haptic effects aregenerated using controller 13. The haptic feedback system includes aprocessor 12. Coupled to processor 12 are a memory 20 and a drivecircuit 16, which is coupled to an actuator 18.

Processor 12 may comprise one or more general or specific purposeprocessors configured to perform computation and control functions ofsystem 10. Processor 12 may include an application-specific integratedcircuit (“ASIC”), a single integrated circuit, such as a microprocessingdevice, or may include multiple integrated circuit devices and/orcircuit boards working in cooperation to accomplish the functions ofprocessor 12. In addition, processor 12 may execute computer programs,such as an operating system, actuator module, and other applications,stored within memory 20.

Processor 12 can determine what haptic effects are rendered and theorder in which the effects are rendered based on high level parameters.In general, the high level parameters that define a particular hapticeffect include magnitude, frequency, and duration. Low level parameters,such as streaming motor commands, can also be used to determine aparticular haptic effect. A haptic effect may be considered “dynamic” ifit includes some variation of these parameters when the haptic effect isgenerated or a variation of these parameters based on a user'sinteraction.

Processor 12 outputs the control signals to drive circuit 16, whichincludes electronic components and circuitry used to supply actuator 18with the required electrical current and voltage (i.e., “motor signals”)to cause the desired haptic effects to be generated. System 10 mayinclude multiple actuators 18, and each actuator 18 may be coupled tomultiple user input elements (e.g., buttons, triggers, and othersurfaces). In addition, each actuator 18 may include a separate drivecircuit 16, all coupled to a common processor 12. In addition, eachactuator 18 may be configured to provide haptic effects to two or moreuser input elements (e.g., triggers, buttons, sticks, etc.) or othersurfaces of handheld controller 13.

Memory device 20 can be any type of transitory or non-transitory storagedevice or computer-readable medium, such as random access memory(“RAM”), dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), read only memory(“ROM”), flash memory, cache memory, and/or any other type ofcomputer-readable medium. Communication media may include computerreadable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other datain a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transportmechanism, and includes any information delivery media. Memory 20 may belocated internal to processor 12, or any combination of internal andexternal memory.

Memory 20 stores instructions that are executed by processor 12, such asoperating system instructions or haptic instructions. Among theinstructions, memory 20 includes a haptic effect selections module 22which includes instructions that, when executed by processor 12, selectone of a plurality of user input elements or device surfaces forrendering haptic effects using a single actuator, as discussed in moredetail below. By using a single actuator to render haptic effects atmultiple user input elements, the cost and weight of handheld device 13is reduced. In addition, significant the power saving is also achieved.

Actuator 18 may be any type of device that generates haptic effects, andcan be physically located in any area of system 10, typically locatedwithin handheld controller 13, to be able to generate the desired hapticeffect to the desired area of a user's body. In one embodiment, actuator18 is a haptic output device that generates vibrotactile haptic effects.Actuators used for this purpose may include an electromagnetic actuatorsuch as an Eccentric Rotating Mass (“ERM”) in which an eccentric mass ismoved by a motor, a Linear Resonant Actuator (“LRA”) in which a massattached to a spring is driven back and forth, or a “smart material”such as piezoelectric, electroactive polymers or shape memory alloys.Haptic output devices may also include a device such as an electrostaticfriction (“ESF”) device or an ultrasonic surface friction (“USF”)device, or a device that induces acoustic radiation pressure with anultrasonic haptic transducer. Other devices can use a haptic substrateand a flexible or deformable surface, and devices can provide projectedhaptic output such as a puff of air using an air jet, etc. Haptic outputdevices can further include a device that provides thermal hapticeffects (e.g., heats up or cools off).

System 10 further includes a sensor 28 coupled to processor 12. Sensor28 can be used to detect any type of properties of the user of system 10(e.g., a biomarker such as body temperature, heart rate, etc.), or ofthe context of the user or the current context (e.g., the location ofthe user, the temperature of the surroundings, etc.).

Sensor 28 can be configured to detect a form of energy, or otherphysical property, such as, but not limited to, sound, movement,acceleration, physiological signals, distance, flow,force/pressure/strain/bend, humidity, linear position,orientation/inclination, radio frequency, rotary position, rotaryvelocity, manipulation of a switch, temperature, vibration, or visiblelight intensity. Sensor 28 can further be configured to convert thedetected energy, or other physical property, into an electrical signal,or any signal that represents virtual sensor information. Sensor 28 canbe any device, such as, but not limited to, an accelerometer, anelectrocardiogram, an electroencephalogram, an electromyograph, anelectrooculogram, an electropalatograph, a galvanic skin responsesensor, a capacitive sensor, a hall effect sensor, an infrared sensor,an ultrasonic sensor, a pressure sensor, a fiber optic sensor, a flexionsensor (or bend sensor), a force-sensitive resistor, a load cell, aLuSense CPS2 155, a miniature pressure transducer, a piezo sensor, astrain gage, a hygrometer, a linear position touch sensor, a linearpotentiometer (or slider), a linear variable differential transformer, acompass, an inclinometer, a magnetic tag (or radio frequencyidentification tag), a rotary encoder, a rotary potentiometer, agyroscope, an on-off switch, a temperature sensor (such as athermometer, thermocouple, resistance temperature detector, thermistor,or temperature-transducing integrated circuit), a microphone, aphotometer, an altimeter, a biological monitor, a camera, or alight-dependent resistor.

System 10 further includes a communication interface 25 that allowssystem 10 to communicate over the Internet/cloud 50. Internet/cloud 50can provide remote storage and processing for system 10 and allow system10 to communicate with similar or different types of devices. Further,any of the processing functionality described herein can be performed bya processor/controller remote from system 10 and communicated viainterface 25. The various components of system 10, except actuator 18,may be located remote from controller 13, such as in a central consoleor in an Internet based cloud device.

FIG. 2 illustrates a haptically-enabled controller 200 according to anexample embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, whichdepicts the capability of rendering of haptic effects at differentcomponents of controller 200 (such as controller 13 of FIG. 1) in firstand second stages, controller 200 may include a variety of componentssuch as a housing 202, first user input element 211 and second userelement 212 (e.g., buttons, triggers, sticks, etc.), switchable actuator221, and clutch system 222 (not labeled in stage 1). In a first stage,clutch system 222 engages switchable actuator 221 with gearbox 226 toprovide haptic feedback at user input element 211. In a second stage,clutch system 222 engages switchable motor/actuator 221 with gearbox 227to provide haptic feedback at user input element 212.

In an example configuration of the first stage, switchable actuator 221laterally (e.g., inwardly) positions rotating shaft 223 to couple drivegear 224 with gearbox 226 of user input element 211. Shaft 223 iscoupled to switchable actuator 221 at one end and either of firstgearbox 226 or second gearbox 227 of respective first user input element211 or second user element 212 at the other end. An alignment of drivegear 224 with gearbox 226 allows actuator 221 to render one or morehaptic effects (e.g., pushing/pulling, vibrating, etc.) at user inputelement 211. Similarly, in an example configuration of the second stage,switchable actuator 221 laterally (e.g., outwardly) moves shaft 223 tocouple drive gear 225 with gearbox 227 of user input element 212. Asshown in FIG. 2, an alignment of first drive gear 224 or second drivegear 225 with respective first gear box 226 or second gearbox 227 allowsa single actuator 221 to render one or more haptic effects (e.g.,pushing/pulling, vibrating, etc.) at first user input element 211 andsecond user element 212. In another configuration, shaft 223 may belaterally moved back and forth to render alternating haptic effects atfirst user input element 211 and second user element 212.

In some configurations, shaft 223 may be configured to move relative toan output location, such as first user input element 211 or second userinput element 212. For example, since second user element 212 may bepressed in by the user to activate, a haptic effect may cause firstdrive gear 224 to remain at rest so that second gearbox 227 engagesclutch system 222. Here, the lack of a haptic effect call may causefirst drive gear 224 to recede toward switchable actuator 221 to preventcontact with clutch system 222 if no haptic effect call is made. Inaddition, gearbox drag is avoided since, at rest, switchable actuator221 makes contact with no endpoints and can move to avoid contact withclutch system 222.

The various components of controller 200 may be alternatively configuredto independently provide haptic feedback to one of first user inputelement 211 and second user element 212 using a single switchableactuator 221. For example, in controller 200, switchable actuator 221 iscoupled to one of first user input element 211 and second user element212 using any of a variety of drive mechanisms, such as gearboxes,linkages, magnetic couplings, electromagnetic couplings, and the like.For example, electromagnetic clutches operate electrically, but transmittorque mechanically. In another example, the linkages may be magnetic,and accordingly, may not require a physical coupling. In the variousconfigurations, a combination of linkages, levers, drive arms,gearboxes, magnets, electromagnets, locking mechanisms, and the like maybe used.

In contrast with conventional systems, in which a respective hapticoutput device is generally needed for each user input element,embodiments of the present invention provide that the haptic feedbackmay be rendered at multiple user input elements using a single actuator.Alternatively, or additionally, controller 200 may be configured tosimultaneously render haptic feedback to a subset of a plurality oftriggers, such as user input element 211 and another user input element(not shown) that is disposed opposite of user input element 211, using asingle switchable actuator 221.

In some embodiments, a haptic control signal may be varied to select oneof first user input element 211 and second user element 212 forrendering the haptic effect. By applying different haptic controlsignals to clutch system 222 and/or actuator 221, different user inputelements may be targeted. Here, each of first user input element 211 andsecond user element 212 or surfaces of controller 200 may be configuredto render haptic effects in response to predetermined haptic controlsignals (e.g., based on amplitude, waveform, frequency, etc.).

FIG. 3 illustrates a structure 300 for rendering haptic effects atmultiple user input elements using a single actuator according to anexample embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, structure 300 may include a variety of componentssuch as first user input element 311 and second user element 312 (e.g.,triggers, buttons, sticks, and other user input elements or surfaces,etc.), tension springs 313, and rotatable actuator 321. In a firstconfiguration, a rotatable actuator 321 couples with user input element311 to provide haptic feedback (e.g., vibration, push/pull, etc.). In asecond configuration, rotatable actuator 321 couples with user inputelement 312 to provide haptic feedback. Although rotatable actuator 321is depicted as moving in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction,other configurations are also feasible. For example, actuator 321 may beconfigured to traverse lateral directions along one or more rails (notshown). In either configuration, tensions springs 313 are configured tomaintain a default position of first user input element 311 and seconduser element 312.

When a drive arm 323 of rotatable actuator 321 is disposed in a centralposition between first user input element 311 and second user element312, actuator mass 322 is also disposed in a central position and isfree to move back and forth to render vibration and/or other hapticeffects. When drive arm 323 turns counter clockwise, drive arm 323engages user input element 311 and one or more forces may be rendered atuser input element 311. When drive arm 323 turns clockwise, drive arm323 engages user input element 312 and one or more forces may berendered at user input element 312. In some instances, in order torender push and/or pull haptic effects at first user input element 311and second user element 312, drive arm 323 may utilize magnets,electromagnets, pin locks, and the like to couple actuator mass 322 withfirst user input element 311 and second user element 312. In addition,magnetic couplings may be used to vary the load of actuator mass 322 toprovide a tunable actuator.

Accordingly, the various components of structure 300 are configured toindependently provide haptic feedback to one of a plurality of userinput elements, such as one of first user input element 311 and seconduser element 312, using a single rotatable actuator 321. For example, instructure 300, rotatable actuator 321 may be coupled to one of firstuser input element 311 and second user element 312 using any of avariety of drive mechanisms, such as gearboxes, linkages, magneticcouplings, electromagnetic couplings, and the like.

In a gaming example, a user may utilize a controller (e.g., a gun) witha first trigger, such as user input element 311, and experience a hapticeffect when pressing the first trigger as drive arm 323 has engaged thefirst trigger. The user then taps the controller on a surface (e.g., atable) and experiences another haptic effect, such as vibration forces,from the rotatable actuator 321 oscillating back and forth around thecenter position. The user then presses a second trigger, such as userinput element 312, on the controller and experiences one or more hapticeffects on the second trigger as drive arm 323 has engaged the secondtrigger.

FIG. 4 illustrates a haptically-enabled controller 400 according toanother example embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4,controller 400 may include a variety of components such as a housing402, first user input element 411 and second user element 412, andmotor/actuator 421. Actuator 421 is configured to independently and/orsimultaneously render haptic effects at first user input element 411 andsecond user element 412. In some configurations, output bymotor/actuator 421 may be selectively applied to one of first user inputelement 411 and second user element 412 using a bidirectional actuator.For example, the bidirectional actuator used for motor/actuator 421 maybe driven with to produce a haptic effect only in one direction. In thisexample, with a configurable mechanical assembly, motor/actuator 421does not make contact with the components in the opposite direction inwhich it is firing. In other configurations, motor/actuator 421 isdisposed on one or more rails and moved by another lower powermotor/actuator such that it is in contact with either first user inputelement 411 or second user input element 412. Alternatively, amechanical structure may be configured such that when first user inputelement 411 or second user input element 412 is pressed, it comes incontact with motor/actuator 421. Here, if both user input elements arepressed, then both first user input element 411 and second user inputelement 412 render haptic effects.

In this embodiment, actuator 421 is configured to engage either of firstuser input element 411 and second user element 412 depending on a hapticcontrol signal (e.g., supplied by the processor, such as processor 12 ofFIG. 1). For example, actuator 421 may engage with either of first userinput element 411 and second user element 412 according to an inputvoltage. In another example, user input element 411 may render hapticeffects in response to a 3V square signal while user input element 412may render haptic effects in response a 5V pulse signal. Accordingly,the different haptic control signals (e.g., ‘Signal A’ or ‘Signal B’ ofFIG. 4) may be used to render haptic effects (e.g., push, pull,vibration, etc.) at respective first user input element 411 and seconduser element 412.

In some configurations, first user input element 411 and second userelement 412 may include one or more surface ‘smart’ materials or gelshaving a variety of predetermined electrical properties configured toprovide additional haptic effects (e.g., stiffening, loosening,textures, thermal, etc.). Example smart materials include piezo, shapememory alloys, electroactive polymers, and the like. In yet some otherconfigurations, first user input element 411 and second user element 412may be separated from haptic output device 421 by one or moreintermediate layers (e.g., a substrate or gel) that causes first userinput element 411 and second user element 412 to vibrate in a differentmanner (e.g., frequency, amplitude) in response to the different hapticcontrol signals. Here, the intermediate layers also may act as avariable dampening element.

FIG. 5 illustrates a multi-directional trigger structure 500 accordingto an example embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5,multi-directional trigger structure 500 may include a variety ofcomponents such as a first-directional section 511, second-directionalsection 512, actuator 521, and linkages 531, 532. In this embodiment,actuator 521 may independently and/or simultaneously render one or morehaptic effects at first-directional section 511 or second-directionalsection 512.

In some instances, an optional hinge 513 may physically join or couplefirst-directional section 511 and second-directional section 512. Byusing hinge 513, linkage 531 may be used to render haptic effects (e.g.,push, pull, vibration, etc.) to both first-directional section 511 andsecond-directional section 512. However, linkage 532 may be used torender haptic effects to only second-directional section 512.Alternatively, or additionally, first-directional section 511 andsecond-directional section 512 may be comprised of a flexible trigger.The use of multiple linkages 531, 532 enable different trigger sections,such as first-directional section 511 and second-directional section512, to share haptic output device 521.

The use of multiple linkages 531, 532 also enable a wider range ofhaptic effects to be rendered to the user. By using a bifurcated (ortrifurcated, etc.) trigger, haptic output device 521 may provide avariety of trigger contours or shapes. In other words, the resultingtrigger's shape is configurable. In some embodiments, deformable triggershapes may be used in connection with contextual interactions. Forexample, contextual interactions may include the holding of an object invirtual reality. Segments of a trigger (or other user input element) maybe configured to accurately represent the surface geometry of a virtualreality object. In another example, if in virtual reality, a user'sfinger is visualized touching a flat virtual surface, the traditionalergonomic trigger shape may remove or reduce the scalloping to render aflat surface. In other words, depending on the context of the event, thetrigger can be a different shape due using bifurcated parts. Forexample, the bifurcated parts can be in line and move together when thetrigger is used as the gas pedal for a vehicle. When acting as atrigger, the bifurcated parts can make an “L” shape to represent thetrigger of a gun. In addition, the haptic effects may be applied totriggers having a variety of shapes and sizes. Additional end-stophaptic capability is also provided. End-stop haptic capability generallyrefers to the grounding of the trigger (or button or other user inputelement) against an end stop. At the end-stop, the user's finger-tipwill not be overcome by the amount of force that the trigger can pushback with. However, if the haptic effect is rendered immediately belowthe user's knuckle, the user is able to feel the haptic effect even whenpulling the trigger very hard.

Linkages 531, 532 also may be configured to provide push and pull hapticfeedback. By rendering push and pull haptic feedback, one or morespatialization haptic effects may be enhanced. Alternatively, oradditionally, first-directional section 511 and second-directionalsection 512 may be configured to move along multiple axes.

In some embodiments, the shape of trigger structure 500 may bedeformable or semi-deformable. For example, trigger structure 500 mayinclude a switch component (not shown) that may be “toggled” intodifferent positions. This would enable the user to control the shape ofthe trigger structure 500, especially if the trigger structure 500 iscomposed of a rubberized material. The toggle functionality isparticularly useful for devices with a single trigger that may be usedin either left or right hands. In addition, the switch component alsomay be reconfigured in response to each use (e.g., unique trigger shapesfor firing individual weapons).

FIG. 6 illustrates a haptic mouse 600 according to another exampleembodiment of the present invention. In addition to housing 602 androtary wheel 603, haptic mouse 600 includes a plurality of hapticregions 611, 612, 613, 614, and 615. Each of haptic regions 611-615 maybe individually configured to provide one or more haptic effects (e.g.,push, pull, vibration, texture, temperature variation, rumble, and thelike). In addition, the haptic regions may be configured to correspondto other portions of haptic mouse 600, such as rotary wheel 603 and/orkeypad 604. Subsets of haptic regions 611-615 may render haptic effectsusing a single haptic output device, as described above.

In addition, any of the user input elements described herein may beconfigured to provide isolated haptic effects (e.g., vibration and/ordeformations applied that are isolated from the device housing). In someembodiments, the user input elements may be indirectly coupled to thehousing by one or more suspension flexures (e.g., springs). When ahaptic effect is applied to the user input elements, the suspensionflexures substantially dampen the haptic effects such that they are notapplied to the housing. Additionally, or alternatively, a rubber ring orgasket (not shown) may surround the user input elements to dampen thehaptic effects.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of functionality 700 for renderinghaptic effects according to an example embodiment of the presentinvention. In some instances, the functionality of the flow diagram ofFIG. 7 is implemented by software stored in memory or other computerreadable or tangible media, and executed by a processor. In otherinstances, the functionality may be performed by hardware (e.g., throughthe use of an application specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), aprogrammable gate array (“PGA”), a field programmable gate array(“FPGA”), etc.), or any combination of hardware and softwarefunctionally implemented by system 10 of FIG. 1.

At the outset, functionality 700 may optionally initialize the hapticdevice, such as controller 13 of FIG. 1, at 710. For example,functionality 700 may determine or otherwise initialize the respectiveconfigurations of the various components of the clutch system and/oractuator. In another example, the state of the user input elements maybe configured according to one or more user or designer preferences.

Next, at 720, a haptic control signal is received at the clutch systemand/or actuator. In response to receiving the haptic control signal,functionality 700 evaluates the haptic control signal to identify one ofa plurality of user input elements configured to be connected to thesame actuator for rendering the haptic effect stored within the firsthaptic control signal, at 730. In response to receiving the hapticcontrol signal, functionality 700 also may reconfigure the components ofthe clutch system and/or actuator. For example, the actuator may bereconfigured according to an actuator type. The actuator is coupled orotherwise connected to the user input element at 740. In turn, thehaptic effect is rendered at the identified haptic output device at 750.

In some embodiments, functionality 700 may evaluate spatial data (e.g.,whether device is in user's left or right hand). One or more sensors(e.g., such as sensor 28 of FIG. 1) may be used to determine thecontroller's orientation to the user or the orientation to otherdevices. Accordingly, the haptic effects may be modified based onspatial data (e.g., based on determination of finger contact). Forexample, a haptic effect designed for the first user input element maybe rendered at the second input element if the user has no physicalcontact with the first user input element.

By implementing the various embodiments described herein, enhancedhaptic effects may be more efficiently provided by adopting the variousembodiments of the present invention. The systems and methods describedherein provide multiple haptic effects at different locations of thesame device/system using a single actuator. In the various embodiments,the haptic effects are independently or simultaneously rendered atdifferent locations of the device. By reducing the number of hapticoutput devices needed to drive multiple user input elements, power issaved and cost is reduced.

One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that theinvention as discussed above may be practiced with steps in a differentorder, and/or with elements in configurations which are different thanthose which are disclosed. Therefore, although the invention has beendescribed based upon these preferred embodiments, it would be apparentto those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, andalternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within thespirit and scope of the invention. In order to determine the metes andbounds of the invention, therefore, reference should be made to theappended claims.

1. A haptically enabled device configured to render one or more hapticeffects, the haptically enabled device comprising: an actuator; a firstuser input element that is configured to be selectively coupled to theactuator, and a second user input element that is configured to beselectively coupled to the actuator, wherein the actuator is configuredto be positioned to render the one or more haptic effects at each of thefirst user input element and the second user input element.
 2. Thehaptically enabled device of claim 1, further comprising: a clutchsystem coupled to the actuator via a moveable shaft, wherein the clutchsystem comprises a plurality of drive gears, wherein the actuator isswitchable between at least two positions of the clutch systemcomprising a first position in which the actuator is coupled to thefirst user input element via a first drive gear of the clutch system andto a first linkage or gearbox of the first user input element; and asecond position in which the actuator is coupled to the second userinput element via a second drive gear of the clutch system and to asecond linkage or gearbox of the second user input element.
 3. Thehaptically enabled device of claim 2, wherein the first drive gear andthe second drive gear have different respective sizes.
 4. The hapticallyenabled device of claim 2, wherein the first drive gear and the seconddrive gear have different respective diameters.
 5. The hapticallyenabled device of claim 1, wherein the actuator is configured to move amoveable shaft in a first lateral direction to laterally position theclutch system at a first position, and to move the moveable shaft in asecond lateral direction to laterally position the clutch system at asecond position.
 6. The haptically enabled device of claim 1, whereinthe haptically enabled device comprises a portable or handheld device,wherein the portable or handheld device comprises a toy, gaming console,handheld video game system, gamepad, game controller, desktop computer,portable multifunction device such as a cell phone, smartphone, personaldigital assistant (PDA), eReader, portable reading device, handheldreading device, laptop, tablet computer, digital music player, remotecontrol, or medical instrument.
 7. The haptically enabled device ofclaim 1, wherein the haptically enabled device is embedded in anotherdevice.
 8. The haptically enabled device of claim 7, wherein the anotherdevice comprises a vehicle or a wearable device.
 9. The hapticallyenabled device of claim 8, wherein the wearable device comprises a wristwatch, jewelry, arm band, or gloves.
 10. A haptically enabled devicecomprising a clutch system coupled to a single actuator via a shaft, theclutch system configured to selectively position the single actuator ata plurality of positions within a housing, each of the plurality ofpositions corresponding to a respective one of a plurality of user inputelements.
 11. The haptically enabled device of claim 10, wherein theplurality of positions comprises: a first position in which the clutchsystem couples the single actuator to a first user input element via afirst drive gear of the clutch system and to a first linkage or gearboxof the first user input element; and a second position in which theclutch system couples the single actuator to a second user input elementvia a second drive gear of the clutch system and to a second linkage orgearbox of the second user input element.
 12. The haptically enableddevice of claim 11, wherein in the first position, the single actuatoris configured to render one or more haptic effects at the first userinput element, and in the second position, the single actuator isconfigured to render one or more haptic effects at the second user inputelement.
 13. The haptically enabled device of claim 12, wherein in thefirst position, the single actuator is configured to render one or morehaptic effects at the first user input element upon a movement of thefirst user input element with respect to the housing, and in the secondposition, the single actuator is configured to render one or more hapticeffects at the second user input element upon a movement of the seconduser input element with respect to the housing.
 14. The hapticallyenabled device of claim 10, wherein the haptically enabled devicecomprises a portable or handheld device, wherein the portable orhandheld device comprises a toy, gaming console, handheld video gamesystem, gamepad, game controller, desktop computer, portablemultifunction device such as a cell phone, smartphone, personal digitalassistant (PDA), eReader, portable reading device, handheld readingdevice, laptop, tablet computer, digital music player, remote control,or medical instrument.
 15. The haptically enabled device of claim 10,wherein the haptically enabled device is embedded in another device. 16.The haptically enabled device of claim 15, wherein the another devicecomprises a vehicle or a wearable device, wherein the wearable devicecomprises a wrist watch, jewelry, arm band, or gloves.
 17. A hapticfeedback method comprising: selectively positioning a clutch systemusing a single actuator at one of a plurality of positions of the singleactuator within a housing; and rendering one or more haptic effects atone or more of a plurality of user input elements at one or more of theplurality of positions.
 18. The haptic feedback method of claim 17,further comprising: coupling, at a first of the plurality of positions,the clutch system to a first of the plurality of user input elements viaa first drive gear of the clutch system, via a first linkage or gearboxof the first user input element; and coupling, at a second of theplurality of positions, the clutch system to a second of the pluralityof user input elements via a second drive gear of the clutch system, viaa second linkage or gearbox of the second user input element.
 19. Thehaptic feedback method of claim 18, further comprising: rendering, usingthe single actuator, one or more of the haptic effects at the first userinput element when the clutch system is in the first position, andrendering, using the single actuator, one or more of the haptic effectsat the second user input element when the clutch system is in a secondposition.
 20. The haptic feedback method of claim 19, wherein in thefirst position, the rendering of one or more of the haptic effects atthe first user input element occurs upon a movement of the first userinput element with respect to the housing, and in the second position,the rendering of one or more of the haptic effects at the second userinput element occurs upon a movement of the second user input elementwith respect to the housing.